Tips on Getting Organized for a New Consultant

[emo812]

Hi! I'm looking for an organizing system to get my PC stuff together. I've found a few things on here but I'm looking for something geared for a New consultant. Most of the stuff I have found is for directors and higher ups.
I want to do some sort of binder system as well as something with hanging files too.

Any tips would be welcome. I just feel like I'm not getting very far in my business because I don't have a system or routine in place yet!!

Thanks,
Erin

 

[raebates]

The problem with organizing systems is that what works for me might not work for you. At various times I've used what is often called a tickler file. You can do this either in a binder or with hanging files. You label files (or binder pockets) 1 through 31 and January through December. Say I have three things today that I want to follow up on in the future. One is for this month on the 20th. I'll place that in the file labeled "20." The second is for November 10. I'll put that in the November file. The third is for sometime in May. I'll put that in the May file. When November rolls around, I'll take everything out of the November file and put it in the appropriate day. If I don't have a specific day, I'll choose one at that time. Does that make sense?The most important thing about any organizing system is to use it. Adapt it to your personal style. For me, unless I find something tremendously frustrating right away, I try to give it six months. At that point I evaluate. If it isn't easy to maintain, try another system. Best wishes on your business!

 

[Christ Follower]

What I have recently started doing is taping/stapling the door prize drawing slip to a piece of lined paper. If they are a booking (or booking lead) I put it into a booking binder. If they are just a customer, I put them into a customer care folder. If you have recruit leads, they can go into a separate binder as well.

So basically, I use the dividers and label them January through December. If I have a booking lead that says, "maybe in November," I put them in the October section. If they are just a customer, I put them in a spot a month or so out from the party they were at so I can follow up with them to see if they are happy with the products. When I do call them, I offer them the booking opportunity again or ask if I can continue to follow up with them in the future. Then I move them to the appropriate spot.

Rae is right though, what works for me doesn't always work for everyone. Good luck getting organized!


(ETA: I tape the DPDS on the paper so I can make notes when I do contact them again)

 

[PChefPEI]

I've tried different things in the past and right now, my goal is to have the least amount of paper I can possibly have. I have found a tremendous contact tracking program (oprius.com) that has helped me eliminate all of my show receipts. I wish I had of used it from the beginning. You can also use PP/PP3 for tracking your contacts, but it never worked for me. There are many systems you can use, just find one that works for you. I believe that tracking your contacts is the #1 thing you need to get under control as you begin your PC business.

Now, for other papers, I did have a binder system at one time. I've attached the listing (Business in a Binder contents) for you.

At the moment, I have a combination of file folders and binders. I have a 2-drawer filing cabinet. One drawer is for PC stuff and I use orange folders. The other, I use brown folders for all my personal stuff. I've attached my listing of those files for you (both PC and personal files).

The binders I have right now are:
- Recipe for Success - I have here the old and new PC business guides, any notes I have taken during coaching calls, meetings or conference go in the appropriate section.
- Recruiting binder - Info on recruiting and business cards from different consultants about why they joined and are in the business.
- Host binder - Host information sheets for all upcoming shows.
- Dream Team binder - all info about the Dream Team I am on with my Director.
- There are others, but I'm not home right now and can't think of what they are.
- Newsletters/flyers binder - I have monthly tabs here with CN, specials, newsletters filed behind the appropriate months. I go through it once in a while when it gets full and purge old info.

Anyway, I hope I have given you a few ideas....sorry for the long post!

Have fun getting organized!

 

[emo812]

Thanks for the tips and files Marie!! They are very helpful.

 

[rbvernon]

I do have a question to the person who made Business in a Binder. Where can you find most of the paperwork. I am a consultant of 4 months now. I need to get organized so bad. I am trying to follow for the binders but I can't get my hand on some of items on the list. Can someone help and guide me in the right direction?

Thanks so much in advance.

Rachel

 

[PChefPEI]

I do have a question to the person who made Business in a Binder. Where can you find most of the paperwork. I am a consultant of 4 months now. I need to get organized so bad. I am trying to follow for the binders but I can't get my hand on some of items on the list. Can someone help and guide me in the right direction?

Thanks so much in advance.

Rachel

I'd love to help you out, Rachel. What is it you're looking for? Email me if you like at [email protected] and maybe I can email you some of the things you are looking for.